(Author of the Mallory series; I’m Not Afraid of This Haunted House; Love, Ruby Valentine; and Thanksgiving Rules)

As an author of children’s books, I feel very lucky. I get to spend every day doing what I love most . . . writing books for kids and connecting with readers. But some days as an author are extra special, and for me, Valentine’s Day was one of those days. It’s all because of a big-hearted 5 year-old girl named Carly Glomstad who lives in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Carly’s story started last year when she read a book I wrote called Love, Ruby Valentine, the story of a young girl who decides that Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day to show others what they mean to you. The heroine in the book loves Valentine’s Day and spends so much time getting ready for it, that she sleeps right through it. Rather than letting her gifts and goodies go to waste, she delivers them to the townspeople the following day. Of course, everyone loves her special delivery and Ruby realizes that every day is a good day to show people how special they are to you.

Inspired by the book, Carly decided to raise money and put together gifts and goody bags for people in need in her community. Carly’s deliveries were such a hit last year that she did it again this year.

Five-year-old Carly raised $1,000. She donated some of the money to a child care center and local nursery and used the rest to deliver treats and gifts. Though I live far away from Minnesota, and wasn’t able to see first-hand what I know must have been lots of big smiles when Carly showed up, she warmed my heart from afar. As an author, nothing could make me feel any better than knowing that my book made an impact and inspired someone so young to do something so beautiful.

Thank you Carly for the best Valentine’s gift ever!

To read Carly’s story click here.

To visit Carly’s website and learn more about her “Carly Valentine” project click here.